Brexit May Force the Queen to Evacuate from the Palace
This is so scary.


British officials are anticipating riots in the streets when the Brexit deal is set to officially go through (opens in new tab) this spring. So, what does this mean for the Queen and the rest of the royal family? They may need to follow a special evacuation plan to protect themselves, according to the New York Times (opens in new tab).
In case you're unfamiliar with Brexit, the term refers to the United Kingdom's 2016 decision to leave the European Union (EU). The original vote was held in June 2016, but U.K. citizens are very split about it (it only won 51.9 percent to 48.1 percent.) Per BBC (opens in new tab), the vote included an agreement to "invoke Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty which gives the two sides two years to agree the terms of the split."
British Prime Minister Theresa May began this process on March 29, 2017, which means the two years is up on March 29, though the country was given an extension until mid-April. During these past two years, the U.K. has been scrabbling to figure out the terms (opens in new tab) under which Brexit would happen. Since citizens remain very split about the vote, the country is preparing for the possibility of riots, putting the safety of the Queen and the royal family at risk, even though they are expected to remain neutral on political matters (opens in new tab).
So, what does this reported evacuation plan look like?
"These emergency evacuation plans have been in existence since the Cold War, but have now been repurposed in the event of civil disorder following a no-deal Brexit," according to The Sunday Times (opens in new tab).
The British newspaper reports the plan is based on Operation Candid, "an evacuation strategy designed after the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962—to prepare for the possibility of a nuclear attack by the Soviet Union." The royal family would have originally boarded the royal Brittania and hid in "Scottish sea lochs," but since the yacht stopped service in 1997 they would now board the Hebridean Princess cruise ship.
It's unclear if all royal family members, including Harry, Meghan, Kate, and Will, would follow this evacuation plan with the Queen and Prince Philip if things got too dangerous.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE HERE (opens in new tab)
RELATED STORY
Queen Elizabeth Breaks Important Royal "Rule" by Talking About Brexit
Rachel Epstein is an editor at Marie Claire, where she writes and edits culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also manages the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game, finding a new coffee shop, or analyzing your cousin's birth chart—in no particular order.
-
'Stranger Things' Season 5: Everything We Know
The Netflix hit is coming back for one final season.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
14 Abortion Rights Organizations Accepting Donations to Support Their Fight
'Roe' is no longer the law of the land, but these organizations won't stop fighting.
By Gabrielle Ulubay
-
All of the Best Fourth of July Fashion Sales
Let the savings begin.
By Julia Marzovilla
-
The Royal Family Cost U.K. Taxpayers Over $120 Million Last Year, While Meghan and Harry Remain Financially Independent
It's all in the numbers.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton Showed Support for the LGBTQIA+ Community During Pride Month
They highlighted a mental health charity.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Charles Was "Delighted" to Meet Lilibet for the First Time, Reportedly
It's not a huge surprise, to be fair.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Buckingham Palace Won't Release Meghan Markle Bullying Report Findings
They're avoiding pouring salt in already existing wounds.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton Honor Cancer Campaigner Dame Deborah James After Her Passing
James sadly died of bowel cancer at 40.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Meghan Markle Calls Prince Harry a Feminist, Expresses Fear for Women's Safety Over Roe v. Wade Being Struck Down
The duchess spoke to Gloria Steinem about it.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Was Filmed Shouting at a Photographer Who Interrupted a Cambridge Family Bike Ride
The photographer was in breach of Kensington Palace privacy policy.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Queen Helped the Crown Princess of Greece With Her Wedding Dress as They Posed for a Portrait
Guest of honor, much???
By Iris Goldsztajn